CASE STUDY

    SECTOR

    National Mapping, Natural Resources and Environment

    Satellite view

    Source: European Space Agency - ESA

    mapping-the-worlds-largest-volcanic-cave-a-3d-blueprint-for-future-space-missions

    image

    Source: European Space Agency - ESA

    Project Details

    In 2017, researchers from the Virtual Geographic Agency Vigea conducted several field surveys on the island of Lanzarote, leveraging advanced geospatial technology, including 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Mobile Mapping solutions. Lanzarote, a Spanish island in the Atlantic belonging to the Canary archipelago, boasts the world’s largest volcanic cave and landscapes resembling those of the Moon. Due to these similarities, Lanzarote has become a training ground for astronauts preparing for space missions. The surveys focused on Lanzarote’s Corona lava tube, aiding teams from the European Space Agency in studying cave formations akin to those found on the Moon and Mars. This endeavour resulted in the creation of the first-ever 3D replica of the largest lava tube on Earth, marking a significant milestone in geospatial exploration and scientific research.



    Solutions
    Product Used

    Value Propositions

    Return on Investment (RoI)
    Geo_icon
    GeographyAfrica

    Location_icon
    CountryCanary Island

    Project_owner
    Project Owner

    VIGEA


    Project_stakeholder_icon
    Project/Technology Stakeholder

    European Space Agency; Spanish Geological Service; Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Seville (CSIC); Leica Geosystems AG; Autodesk Inc.


    Calendar_icon
    Completed Year/Projected Completion YearNot Available

    Technology Used
    Sector Focus
    SDGs
    Recognition/ Awards

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